Overview:
The Red Lake Tribal Council is working to protect children, families and employees following the federal takeover of some Ombi child welfare and protection services while the details of the ongoing federal investigation remain undisclosed.
The Red Lake Tribal Council is assuring citizens that it is working to protect children, families and employees following the federal government’s takeover of some child welfare and child protection services at Ombimindwaa Gidinawemaaganinaadog (Ombi), formerly known as Red Lake Family and Children’s Services.
The council issued the statement Friday evening, eight days after Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) agents executed a federal search warrant at Ombi and seized records from the facility.
On Monday, Sept. 14, the BIA took over operations of Ombi, creating an immediate transition for employees and the Red Lake citizens who rely on the agency’s services.
The tribal council and administration said they “have been working diligently to understand and respond to this action, protect the interests of the Red Lake Nation, support our employees, and most importantly, ensure that our children, families, elders, and community members continue to receive the services they depend on.”
As the federal takeover continues, the tribal council said it will appoint interim supervisors to help manage the transition and assist employees in returning to work “as quickly and responsibly as possible.”
The federal action comes as questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the search warrant and the government’s decision to assume operations of portions of Ombi’s child welfare and child protection responsibilities.
The contents of the federal warrants had not been made public as of Friday, Sept. 18.
The tribal council said it cannot provide additional information because the case remains active and is considered a sensitive matter.
For Red Lake Nation, the immediate focus remains on maintaining services and supporting the children, families and community members affected by the disruption.
The tribal council said it will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The statement acknowledges tribal families need clear information on accessing services. Tirbal citizens in need of services are encouraged contact:
Ombi Main Line: 218-679-2122.
Mental Health Crisis Line: 218-679-1250 and 218-679-368-4913.
Red Lake Law Enforcement Center: 218-679-3313.
Email the BIA to report child abuse or neglect: rin_childabuse_reporting@BIA.GOV
